It’s hard to believe that just one week ago, we were observing Good Friday and remembering the darkest of days with Jesus’ death on the cross. In taking the time to really reflect on both Good Friday and Holy Saturday, I felt a palpable sense of what it may have been like for the faithful who believed – but had not yet lived to see – the joy of Easter morning.

We, as Christians who live with the knowledge of Jesus’ resurrection, have always had the gift of hope available to us. We know what happened after the cross and the tomb. We can observe Good Friday and Holy Saturday knowing that they are not the end, but in fact, just the beginning. And what a difference waiting one more day and trusting in God’s guidance can make!

I was reflecting on this gift recently, and reread the words of Simeon, a devout Jewish man who was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Messiah. Forty days after Jesus’ birth, his parents brought him to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, according to the religious laws of the time. Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit to the temple and Jesus that day, and he held him in his arms and praised God with the verses above.

Imagine the incredible peace and gratitude Simeon must have felt, having not only seen, but also held the child who was the Messiah! He was led by God that day, and he trusted in God to guide him to Jesus. He knew that hope had arrived. Light was on the horizon, and the darkness would soon be over. It wasn’t over yet, but a new dawn was coming.

So it is for each of us. We live in a time of hope and light breaking over the horizon, but also of awaiting the fullness of the promise of the return of Jesus.

Rest assured, God is at work. Trust in the Lord’s leadership, and you will also find yourself like Simeon, lifting your voice in wonder and praise. It is a new day, and Jesus is alive.

God bless you!

Katie